I’ve had a LOT of jobs over the years. From data entry to running companies. Over the years, I have noticed something interesting. I am my MOST joyful in my work when it affords me creativity. Let me tell you, I have had my seasons of sour grapes.

Creativity as defined by Webster is the ability to ‘create’ – to bring into existence… to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior.

I believe the key difference between a human and the rest of the animal species lies in our ability to create. It is amazing that of all the creatures on the earth, we take are the only ones that can what we have and make something entirely new, never before created by another human or animal. I believe it is evidence of the image we were made to bare. But we can save that for another time.

I also believe that the MOST frustrating days for me happen when the thing I created bears thorns and thistles. When it lacks perfection, I know something is wrong. It drives me crazy. However, it drives me to continue working.

I am always sad when people tell me about how much they hate their jobs. One, because I know that feeling. Two, because I know that life is too short to hate something you spend so much time doing. Three, because in almost every instance, it can be traced to losing their ability to create.

1. My job is boring
2. My boss micro manages me
3. My company never lets me do… x.
4. My work is not appreciated

Let me tell you, before you say data entry cannot possibly be creative… let me say that I have mastered the technique of keying to the beat on a iPod. I have figured out faster ways to type by listening to certain music. If you think about it, there are ways to do things ‘your’ way with even the most monotonous of jobs.

Creativity brings innovation and solves big problems. But creativity comes entirely from people. Their experiences. Their abilities. Their way of doing things. Their failures and their successes. It’s why diverse teams have a higher probability of bringing about the most ingenious solutions. (If, of course, they work together.)

In a book titled Unthink by Eric Wahl, he writes “Business systems often work in opposition to your maximum potential because in reality they give you and everyone else in the company an overconfident sense of stability. The “don’t rock the boat” sentiment that arises from this sense discourages you from bringing your best effort.”

My best bosses encouraged me when I tried new things and new processes. They allowed me to think a bit outside the current. In the words of Steven Pessfield from The Art of War, “Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.”

If you hate working, then your view of work needs to change. Your work needs to be an expression of who you are to the world. If you hate your job, trying pouring some of YOU into the work. Make things better. Find new ways. Fix the problems. If you’re paid to do the work, make it YOUR best work. Represent your employer. Represent you. If you currently are not employed or paid to work, find a way to give who you are to the world anyway. Volunteer. Pick up a highway. Lighten someone else’s load.

There is joy out there, but it comes when you give of you.